Gulfstream Park Picks: Ward's Lucci, Royal A alum on March 26
Gulfstream Park Picks - Saturday, March 26, 2022
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Race 1: 5-1-7-6
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Race 2: 2-5-1-3
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Race 3: 8-5-1-9
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Race 4: 1-2-7-5
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Race 5: 5-4-7-2
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Race 6: 1-3-2-4
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Race 7: 6-4-9-2
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Race 8: 5-6-1-3
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Race 9: 6-7-5-2
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Race 10: 4-5-9-3
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Race 11: 6-3-8-12
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**Most Likely Winner: Mystic Eyes #6 (Race 7)**
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**Best Value: Mr. Extension #1 (Race 4)**
A versatile 1st Bet location owned by the Stronach Family ... Gulfstream Park added Tapeta back last fall. Of course, they still have a main track that is dirt and a painted green grass course (Ha!) ... what a myriad of options! Their Championship Meet is moving right along, heading towards the big card on 2 April ... the Florida Derby!
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action related to the Derby Trail! The South Florida Series put on the Grade 2 running of the Fountain of Youth Stakes earlier this month ... So now, the attention shifts to the final leg of the Sunshine State Derby Trail! That race, the Grade 1 FLA Derby should be quite an event ... so stay tuned for all the news!
It is a good time for some of the greatest racing that North America has to offer. If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!
Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Mystic Eyes #6, 3/1):
Trainer Todd Pletcher is poised for a big weekend, running all over the globe. Here is a filly by Maclean’s Music that has a strong dam side grass runner in Cloudburst by Storm Cat. Getting Javier Castellano, the HOF trainer is sending this one into the Melody of Colors $75k after competing in some stiff stakes competition at Saratoga, Kentucky Downs, and Belmont. If she is sharp off-the-shelf, and I think she is, then this is the chance to bet her at M/L odds of 3/1. Trust in Pletcher …
Wager: $100 Win, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Mr. Extension #1, 6/1):
I am going to “old faithful” … you know, the 3rd off-the-bench play. Trainer Juan Carlos Avila has a great backstory that includes suffering and redemption. He continues to live out his dream of becoming a nationally-recognized conditioner. In this spot, he has a well-bred colt by Malibu Moon that has a chance to get a great trip. The 3-yr-old is priced right at odds of 6/1, and he is dropping from running in MC35 Co. Avila has taught him to break well, and he should do well with young Carlos Olivero in the irons for the 5th time. Former Major Leaguer, Victor Martinez, owns this one, and Avila has his runner pointed in the right direction.
Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 5F, Texas Glitter S. $75k, 3):
Of the 2 “Non-G” races on the Saturday card at Gulfstream Park, this one is clearly the more competitive affair. All 3 runners that are drawn to the outside could easily win, and it is going to be a mad dash on the painted dirt to see who makes the lead. Of course, when it comes to gate training, Wesley Ward is one of the best in the world. I am not kidding … Ward entries always exit stage left in good order, and in sprints; it gives them a distinct advantage. I am looking forward to seeing Lucci #6 make his 2nd start of the Meet. Last out, he was all speed up front, winning in wire-to-wire fashion against OC75kn1x Co. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo gets the call, with Tyler Gaffalione in New Orleans. If there is an entry that can match strides early with Ward’s Royal Ascot alum, then it is Jonathan Thomas’ High Front #5. The gelding by Summer Front broke his maiden on debut at Gulfstream back in late January, but he is going to have to find more on this step-up in class. I like the choice of Emma-Jayne Wilson, and she has the ability to take over a race. I am never against Thomas because he trains at such a high-level. The only other threat to these early types is Christophe Clement’s Big Invasion #7. I would never count out this barn, nor the handling ability of Javier Castellano. By Declaration of War, this colt was superbly handled last month against MSW60k runners. If he can move the ball forward, then he might end up being the best call of these 3. Who will take the most money? A fair question … As far as a top selection, I am going with Ward’s entry … he has the best breaking ability, and should get a perfect trip. Here is the bet …
Wager: $2 Trifecta Box, 5/6/7
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Enjoy another fab Saturday trackside for the Championship Meet! Best of luck on another run at Gulfstream Park! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!